Life hack - we use an old router as a wireless Wi-Fi repeater. Extend Wi-Fi coverage with an old router What to do with a broken router

Dial-up connections and dedicated ADSL lines for Internet access have long since sunk into oblivion. Many people from the younger generation do not even know what a dial-up modem is, but many older people still have strange boxes that are like a suitcase without a hand: it is a pity to throw it away, and it is already unbearable to carry it. Many enthusiasts find use for outdated modem models, and in this article we will try to figure it out. what can be done from an old modem.

The first thing that comes to mind is simply to create a universal box for storing any small things or tools. You don't need much intelligence here. It is enough to pull out all the insides from the external modem and remove one of the walls. All external modems are wall-mounted, which is quite practical. But this is not all that can be done.

With the proper skill and the appropriate knowledge, you can find application almost for its intended purpose, but there are many limitations in terms of hardware: which chip is installed, is it possible to reassign ports, the presence of a USB port, is there a built-in WiFi adapter, and much more.

Using built-in dial-up modems

As a rule, external and internal PCI or ISA modems with Dial-Up mode can be used only as an answering machine, and then only if there is a built-in voice communication function. This is not difficult to do. You just need to download a program from the Internet that functions as a phone. There are a lot of such programs, and they perform the following functions:

• the ability to make incoming or outgoing calls through the telephone network using a headset (headphones and microphone) connected to the computer;
• can receive and send faxes;
• there is a possibility of recording a telephone conversation;
• using the automatic dialing function allows you to transfer previously recorded voice information to many subscribers;
• built-in answering machine function.

Having two such modems, of course, you can create a peer-to-peer network between two computers, but the connection speed will not meet modern needs. And the distance at which it will operate cannot exceed 50-60 meters. It is more convenient to use a long twisted pair cable.

External ADSL modems and routers

With external modems, things are much more fun. They often have a lot more built-in capabilities to use. All the latest modems have a built-in web server that is used to edit the configuration, so there is no difference in setting between such a modem and Ethernet.

Almost all ADSL modems have the ability to reassign ports. Of the 4 built-in LAN ports, one must be configured to work with an Internet provider, i.e. make it WAN. The rest of the ports can be used to connect computers or other network devices, such as a network printer. If this modem is a router with a WiFi adapter, then it will still work in the mode of a full-fledged access point.

It is worth noting that some of the necessary functions may not be present on the standard firmware, but there are communities of enthusiasts engaged in the development of alternative versions of firmware, and putting them in the public domain. It is enough to drive the existing modem model into the search bar and download the firmware on an open platform.

Another option for using an old modem is to make a server out of it. You can read about this in the article "How to make a server from a router"... A special advantage will be the moment, if it is possible to connect an external USB, then the server's capabilities will be significantly expanded.

USB modems, which are used to access the Internet through the network of a mobile operator, also sometimes become obsolete. The operator's communication standards, coverage areas, etc. are changing. However, you should not immediately throw away such modems. If there is no desire to alter and configure anything, then such a modem is very well used as a "flash drive": each of the modems has support for microSD cards.

If you want to tinker, then you can configure such a modem as a WiFi access point, but for this you need, for example, for the Yota Egg modem, to connect and bring out an external Wi-Fi antenna. A lot of materials on the Internet have been written about how this is done.

The purpose of the article was not to give clear instructions on how, and what can be done from the modem, which is just gathering dust on the shelf. I tried to simply collect information from forums where interesting ideas are laid out and summarize it.

Obviously, no one likes wires in the middle of the house, and if there is the ability to wirelessly connect all devices, we will gladly use it. Based on this idea, wireless routers appeared, and then a whole complex of devices and networks based on them, and all this is designed to provide us with an intelligent life.

But even these days, we sometimes suffer from poor WiFi signal, especially if we have a large house with many concrete walls that interfere with the wireless signal and even create blind spots. You can solve your problem using the old one (or buy the cheap one).

What is a Wireless Repeater?

(also called a extender) is a network device that captures a pre-existing wireless signal from a primary wireless router and resends it, thereby creating a second wireless network. Wireless repeaters are used in large homes or offices to provide a reliable signal in specific areas.

And even if your home is not that big, a repeater will come in handy in situations with a lot of interference, such as thick concrete walls or microwaves.

But there are also some drawbacks to be aware of. A wireless repeater will reduce the bandwidth of the wireless network by about 50%, and this is due to the fact that the transmission does not go directly from the router to the client, but through the repeater. You also need to monitor the channels used, as you can create interference in your own network.

Another thing to think about is compatibility. For example, if you have a dual band router and want to replicate the 5GHz signal, then you will need an extender that supports the 5GHz band. In addition, you also have to think about security as the older router can only support WEP or WPA encryption and does not have the newer and better WPA2.

How to use your router as a wireless repeater

Switching your router to repeater mode is not that hard, and there are two ways to do it, depending on the firmware: either the device offers repeater mode natively, or you need to install special firmware such as DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato.

If your router has a built-in wireless repeater function, follow the general instructions below.

STEP 1. Reset the settings to factory defaults.

This is important, especially if you haven't used your router for a long time and forgot about any changes you might have made. To avoid unwanted headaches in the future, it's best to have a router with default settings. Most routers have a special button for this that you need to hold down for a while.

STEP 2: Find and write down the MAC address of both the main router and the old one.

Typically, most manufacturers write the MAC address on a label on the bottom of the router (the MAC address should look like this: “AA: AA: AA: AA: AA: AA”). You can also find out the MAC address in the router settings, in the status tab.

STEP 3: Connect your old router to your computer and access the interface.

Use the LAN port to connect to a computer and enter the router's IP address into the browser. The default is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. If you are unsure, you can check the manufacturer's IP address on the bottom label. There you can also find the default username and password to enter the interface.

STEP 4: Find the repeater settings in the interface.

On some routers this step is simple and straightforward, while on others it can be a guessing game. It is important to check how the router manufacturer has configured the router before choosing a mode. This can be done by referring to the documentation, either found on the internet or in the physical user manual.

STEP 5: Choose the correct mode.

It's pretty simple, after you find the section you want, select the wireless repeater mode.

STEP 6: Enter the MAC address of the primary router.

Usually the user interface is pretty clear and easy to figure out where you should insert the MAC address.

STEP 7: Save the settings.

And you did it! You have now successfully configured your wireless repeater.

What if your router does not support wireless repeater mode?

Don't worry, because you can install custom firmware to enable this setting. For example, TP-LINK TL-WR841N, a fairly cheap router, doesn't have this mode from the factory, but install DD-WRT firmware and you can use this feature (and more). You can also try OpenWRT.

Remember that there are certain risks involved in installing custom firmware. First of all, if you don't install the correct version for your router, you can permanently block your router.

In addition, if you buy a new router for the sole purpose of using it as a repeater, you may void your product warranty. If you're willing to take risks, let's get started.

STEP 1: Review and download the compatible firmware version for your router.

This is very important because, as we said, you can end up blocking the router. If you need help, the DD-WRT and OpenWRT communities are really ready to help, so feel free to visit their forums.

STEP 2: Install DD-WRT firmware on the router.

After downloading the firmware files to the computer, connect the router using the LAN port and enter the interface. Use the default username and password to access the interface and then install the new firmware.

STEP 3: Access the new interface.

Once you have installed custom firmware, access the new interface by pasting in the IP address (usually 192.168.1.1).

STEP 4: Select repeater mode and change the SSID.

Now that you have access to the custom firmware interface, go to Basic Settings and select the wireless menu. Select a repeater. Then, in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) field, enter the same SSID as your primary router, then click Save.

STEP 5: Select a different SSID in the "Virtual Interfaces" section.

After saving, go to the Virtual interface section (at the bottom of the page) and use the ADD button and enter a different SSID. This is important because this way you can connect the client to the correct router, especially if you are closer to it.

STEP 6: Configure Wireless Security.

Go to Wireless -> Wireless Security and change the security settings to match those of the main router. For the physical interface, enter the required information taken from the primary router (leave disabled if there is no security setting).

Then select the same security mode for the virtual interface (WPA2 preferred) and map the security key to the one on the primary router. Then click "Save".

STEP 7: Change the IP address of the repeater.

Go to network setup (via Setup -> Basic Setup) and change the IP address of the repeater to a different subnet. For example, if the main router has an IP address of 192.168.1.1, you can change the IP address of the repeater to 192.168.3.1. It is important to change the third number. Click "Save".

STEP 8: This is an optional step, especially if you are concerned about security.

If you run into any problems, you should uncheck all the boxes in the Block WAN prompt (leave only the Multicast filter) and disable the SPI firewall. Click Save again.

STEP 9: Apply settings.

Double check each modification made and click Apply Settings. After rebooting, you can use the newly configured DD-WRT wireless repeater. You did it! You have successfully taken an old and / or inexpensive router and expanded your wireless network.

Few people are worried about exploring the capabilities of their Wi-Fi router. There is internet, and okay. In fact, a good Wi-Fi router can do a lot of cool things. And in order to use all the possibilities, you do not need to have special knowledge, download alternative firmware and study hundreds of pages on forums. How it works - we will showfor example, a router that can be bought for 2,500-2,700 rubles.

1. Connect your network to your neighbor's Wi-Fi. Or anyone else

Let's say a signal from a nearby cafe finishes you. Or, out of the kindness of his soul, a neighbor gave you a password for his Wi-Fi. Instead of connecting to the network from a smartphone, tablet or computer, connect to it through a router, and use the free Internet from the router. This feature is called "" (WISP), and it has several advantages:

1. Better signal... If on a smartphone the wireless grid shows one or two stripes and works somehow, then from the router the same grid will give its full speed, and the connection will be much more stable.
2. Safely... You never know how security is going on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. When connecting to someone else's Wi-Fi through a router, you hide behind the built-in security means and do not shine on your devices and their contents in someone else's network.
3. Backup internet that connects automatically... If something suddenly breaks with your main provider, the router will automatically switch to the backup channel, and you most likely will not even notice it and will be able to continue using the Internet.
4. Backup internet from smartphone... Often in case of problems with the Internet, we use a smartphone as an access point. The signal from him is weak and hits close. Create an access point on your smartphone, connect to the router as a "wireless provider", and you will get a good stable connection on all your devices.

2. Use multiple providers on one router

This feature is called Multi WAN. It allows you to connect as many providers as there are ports on your router, and additionally add a USB modem.

Let's say you have an Internet connection from two providers at once. One is the main one, the second is the reserve one with the cheapest tariff. It is a good practice to stay online even if something is wrong with the main provider.

In order not to swap cables every time, not to reconfigure the router or computer, and not to do other time-consuming and energy-consuming things, just plug both cables into the router. The main one - to the standard port (it is usually of a different color), and the backup one - to any other. Configure the router once, and in the future everything will work and switch automatically.

3. Share the Internet from a USB modem through a router

This is possible if the router has a USB port, and you have a USB modem from a cellular operator, with which you can access the Network from a laptop from anywhere.

Connect the modem to the USB port of the router and perform a quick software setup. Now you have a backup mobile Internet that will turn on automatically if the main provider has problems.

This life hack will allow you to use the Wi-Fi network not only at the dacha, where there is no fixed Internet, but also during the trip. On the Internet, you can find an adapter adapter to power the router from the cigarette lighter in the car. Connect a USB modem to the router, and all your passengers will be able to use the Internet while traveling - if, of course, there is a cellular signal.

If you have an external hard drive, connect it to your router via USB.

Activate the ability to download torrents in the router settings.

You can remotely launch and manage downloads via the My.Keenetic Android application.

Downloading and distributing torrents through a router takes place without the participation of a computer. By default, upload and download speeds are set so as not to clog the entire channel. You can change the speed in the settings. You won't get more than 5 MB / s from the budget Keenetic Omni, but the Internet will not slow down when loading.

The router can not only download, but also broadcast video to the TV via DLNA, and in the torrent settings, you can select a sequential torrent download to start watching the movie before the download is complete.

5. Access your router and home devices from anywhere

A free proprietary KeenDNS service is available for all "kineticists", replacing any other DDNS services (such as No-IP and DynDNS) in a situation where you have a white but dynamic IP address.

But what if the address is gray, as, for example, for almost all cellular operators for the above connection via a USB modem or backup?

KeenDNS solves this problem:

• Gives to the router even behind a gray address by a convenient name like home.keenetic.link without the hassle of obtaining and registering an SSL certificate;
• Opens access behind the gray address not only to the router, but also to the devices connected to it (for example, a heating boiler control system or the already mentioned torrent pump) by a friendly name like device.home.keenetic.link.
• Provides access to your home network over an all-pervasive SSTP tunnel that can be easily configured on Windows or via an Android app.

6. Create Time Machine backups

Apple stopped manufacturing its routers, but the need to backup MacBooks has not gone away.

Turn on Time Machine backups in your router's software settings. You will need an external hard drive again - now it will also become a backup storage. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to format it into the apple file system HFS +, because the router can also make backups on an NTFS disk.

If you need a high backup speed, Keenetic Omni may not be able to cope. Look towards the top-end Keenetic Giga or Ultra routers.

7. Control the flash drive from your smartphone without OTG cable

This function will allow you to record or view files if the computer is not at hand, and the smartphone does not support OTG, or the OTG cable has gone somewhere.

Connect the USB flash drive to the router and launch a file manager on your smartphone like "ES Explorer" with support for network access. You will have full access to the contents of the flash drive regardless of its file system.

8. Turn your router into a telephone exchange. Or something else

In the USB port of the router, you can plug not only a modem or disk, but also a proprietary DECT set-top box. With it, your router will work as a wireless telephone station with support for up to 6 handsets. Everything you need for this is possible without special knowledge.

Support for third-party software packages () in the official firmware turns the router into a real Swiss knife with a bunch of bells and whistles. You can put the rTorrent torrent client, the Asterisk IP PBX, another DLNA server, and much more into the router. In routers Keenetic does not change the main firmware, and you do not lose your warranty.

9. Save on VPN

Thanks to the latest events on the Russian Internet, everyone now knows about VPN and its advantages.

With the help of a router, you can save a lot by buying just one license for one device from some good VPN provider, but use the service on all your devices at once.

To do this, it is enough to turn on the VPN not on one of the devices, but directly on the router. Now any smartphone, tablet or computer connected to the router will automatically access the Internet via VPN. If this does not suit you, go to the router settings and specify which gadgets should work through the VPN and which should not.

If you only want to use a VPN to improve your internet security, you don't need overseas VPN servers, which means you don't need to pay for them either. With a white IP, you can safely access the Internet through your own VPN while away from home. As a bonus, you will have access to your home network and its contents from anywhere in the world.

10. Make Wi-Fi faster and more stable

Most routers operate in the 2.4 GHz band. When several routers are located side by side - for example, in an apartment building - they interfere with each other. Imagine a bazaar: a bunch of people, everyone is shouting, nothing is clear. It's the same with routers, only the quality and speed of the Internet drops.

The range is divided into several channels. For example, Vasya's neighbor's router works on channel 6, and Petya's on channel 11. The router is able to monitor the current congestion of channels and even automatically switch to the least populated ones, but the same function can be used by neighboring routers. What to do?

Create as many networks as your router allows. Give the networks dissimilar names so that your neighbors don't see through your cunning plan (and don't forget to put passwords). All networks you create will be on the same channel. For any Wi-Fi analyzer, the channel will seem congested, and therefore it will be considered inappropriate to create a grid in it. This means that the channel will remain completely at your disposal.

Why can't my router do that?

Much depends on the developer of the router software. Some devices receive updates and all the newest chips, while others remain on the old version. Users of the latter have to get out and install custom firmware at their own peril and risk, losing the warranty on the device.

Keenetic uses a unified operating system that is constantly being improved and adds new features to all router models.

It doesn't matter if you use top-end Keenetic Giga or budget Keenetic Lite - you will always have the latest version of the operating system with all the new features.

Naturally, hardware constraints come into play. It is impossible to grow a USB port to the router using a software update. A device built for 2.4 GHz only will never learn to operate in the 5 GHz band. But if the filling of the device meets the requirements for the new function to work, then you will receive it regardless of your Keenetic model.

Sometimes, when using a wireless network in a large apartment or office, it becomes necessary to amplify the WiFi signal. The best way to improve reception is to use a repeater. It allows you to relay the network so that the signal is available even in rooms remote from the access point. The simplest repeater can be made from an old router or other network device with your own hands.

Using devices with a built-in repeater

Some home devices with WiFi connectivity are equipped with a signal relay function. They can be used as a repeater. In particular, wireless cameras, smart lamps and even sockets can have this function. Check the instructions for the wireless devices you are using. If it is possible to relay the WiFi signal, activate this function in the settings.

How to make a repeater from a router

The most popular device used as a repeater is a regular router. Often, wireless users have older routers that can be used to extend WiFi coverage. The main advantage of this method is its versatility. The router may work with standards that differ from your connection method. The main condition is the ability to connect to WiFi.

For example, older ADSL routers can also replace repeaters. They will work even if FTTx technologies are used to access the Internet.

DIY WiFi repeater from TP-Link router

Log in to the admin panel of the router. To do this, enter into the address bar of any browser the IP address that is indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the device. The page will ask for a username and password. As a rule, they are also indicated on the sticker. In the absence of these data, they can be clarified in the documentation.

Go to the "Wireless Mode -> Wireless Settings" menu and check the "Enable WDS" checkbox on the main page of this section. After specifying the reboot of the router, the device will enter the Wireless Distribution System mode. Click "Search" among the group of additional settings that will become available when activating WDS.

Find your wireless network in the table that opens. Click on the "Connection" link opposite the line with the BSSID and the name of your WiFi. In the next step, you will need to enter the settings for connecting to the network:

1. Encryption type;
2. WEP index;
3. Authentication method;
4. Password.

Important! The channels on the main router and the repeater device must match. If they differ, the additional router will offer to change the channel value to the one indicated on the main one.

Setting up a repeater on an ASUS router

On ASUS routers, setting up a WiFi signal relay is most conveniently done through the built-in configuration wizard. To go to the step-by-step indication of the parameters, click the "Quick Internet Setup" button in the upper left corner of the page. At the stage of selecting the operating mode, check the "Repeater (repeater)" option. Change the relayed network connection settings if necessary.

Select the desired network, specify the type of encryption and enter the password for authorization. The device will independently determine the channel, after which the connection will be made. When you select the "Network Map" item, a table with the values ​​of the main settings will open. The Wireless Network Name field will be available for editing. In dual-band routers, you can also change the frequency at which the repeater operates (2.4 or 5 GHz).

Advice! The use of other models of routers is also possible as a repeater. If by default the device does not support this mode, try installing an alternative firmware - DD-WRT.

Tutorial video: DIY wifi signal repeater

Making an antenna for a repeater with your own hands

Most homemade antennas available for home assembly work by redirecting radio waves. Standard antennas for routers and repeaters are omnidirectional. This means that the signal propagates perpendicular to the plane in which the antenna is located.

One router is enough for the network to function. However, when you replace your old router with a newer, faster one, you can waste time trying to dispose of it, or you can turn it into an access point (AP). Placing this homemade AP at the far end of the house and connecting it to a new router (via a long network cable) is the best way to cover your home with Wi-Fi. How to do it?

Your home Wi-Fi router has a built-in AP (or even two or three built-in access points in the case of dual-band or tri-band routers) in addition to its function as a primary router. Wireless clients such as tablets, etc. can also connect.

To get started, let's turn to the new router, which is located on the home network as router A. The old one will be converted to router B. The task is to make router B an external AP for router A.

Many routers over the past few years have been able to operate in AP mode, which can be enabled through the interface.

Note: Some routers have access point mode (you will see this in the feature list if available). If this is the case for your Router B, you can simply enable this mode and it will start working as an access point.

This guide is only needed for Wi-Fi routers that do not have this feature (or if you don’t know how to enable this feature) and is only suitable for routers that have a web interface, which fortunately is the case for most routers. ...

General guidance (advanced)

If you are familiar with configuring routers and networks in general, you need to do the following.

1. Cover the WAN () port of Router B with a piece of tape. You want to avoid using the port as this will prevent you from converting the router to an access point.

2. Determine the range of Router A by its IP address. For example, if Router A's IP address is 192.168.1.1, then you can safely assume that the IP pool ranges from 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254.

3. Manually set the IP of Router B to an unused IP in the range of Router A. For example, you can make it 192.168.1.2. Just make sure you do not have and will not be using this IP address by any other device.

4. Disable DHCP function in Router B.

That's all. Now, if you connect Router B (which is no longer a router) to Router A with a network cable (LAN port to LAN port), it will function as an access point, giving you the best Wi-Fi range for your devices.

Detailed description (for beginners)

If you are new to the web, first of all, figure out how to configurehome router. When you're done with that, follow these steps.

Step 1: Disable the WAN (Internet) port router B.

If the router does not have its own AP mode, you should completely avoid using the WAN port. Using this port will cause the router to function as a router, because that is the intended role of the device. Cover the port with tape, for example, to avoid accidental use.

text-align: center; "> The IP address of the router is easy to find out over the network

Step 2: Find out what the range of Router A is.

This is a two-part step. First, you need to find out the IP address of Router A. Connect your computer to Router A via Wi-Fi or with a network cable through one of the LAN ports.

If it is a Windows computer:

1. Run Command Prompt (you can search cmd from the Start menu in Windows 10 or Windows 8, just type cmd when you are in the Metro Start Menu and then press Enter).
2. In the Command Prompt window, enter ipconfig and press Enter. You will see many, possibly incomprehensible numbers and words, but the IP address is listed on the right in the line Main gate: This is the address of the router. This is the number you need.

Or on a Mac:

System Preferences> Network> select the currently connected connection (you should see a green dot indicating that the connection is working)> Advanced> under the TCP / IP tab, note "Router:". The router's IP address will be displayed next to it.

Once you have identified the IP address of the router (which is always four groups of numbers separated by a dot between each group), use it to determine the range of IP addresses. The range of numbers to choose from uses the same numbers in the first three groups, with the last group in the range 1 to 254. The router's current IP address will not be available for use.

For example, if the router's IP address is 192.168.1.1, then the IP address pool will range from 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254. If the IP of the router is 192.168.1.254 then the IP range will be 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.253. When a device is connected to Router A and has an IP address within its range, then it will be accepted within the network.

This guide assumes 192.168.1.1 is the IP of Router A. This will probably be your case too, because many home routers (from Netgear, Asus, D-Link, etc.) tend to use this Default IP address.

Step 3: Set the IP address of Router B as an unused IP within the IP range of Router A.

Connect your computer to Router B via Wi-Fi or with a network cable through one of the LAN ports to find out the current IP of the router (repeat the first part of step 2).

Log into the web interface of the router by pointing the browser to its IP address. In the interface, go to the section where you can change your default IP address. Depending on the router, this section is usually called Network, LAN, or Settings. Change this IP address to one of those in the IP pool defined in the second part of step 2 above. For example, if Router A's IP is 192.168.1.1, you can make Router B's IP 192.168.1.2 (make sure you don't manually assign this IP to another device, if so, please select a different IP) and then save the changes. Router B must be restarted for the changes to take effect.

text-align: center; "> Disabling the DHCP server function of the old router and assigning an unused IP to the primary router will allow the old router to act as an access point when its WAN port is not in use.

Step 4: Disable DHCP Server function in Router B.

Log back into the interface of router B, pointing the browser to the new IP address manually from step 3 (in our case, it was 192.168.1.2), and then go to the Configuring local network or network section again. Disable DHCP server function here. Save your changes and you're done.

(Depending on the interface, some routers allow you to do step 3 and 4 as one without rebooting.)

Now Router B, when connected to Router A with a network cable, will act both as a switch (allowing you to use its LAN port to add wired devices to the network) and as an access point.

This is how you can use your old router.

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